Hey guys! My name’s Jake, I’m 14 years old and I’m new to DJing. Recently, for Hannukah/Christmas, I just got a VCI-100, Headphones, and 2 KRK Rokit 5 speakers. I also currently own a macbook pro. Now, I’ve been experimenting and trying new things out, but I’m not still not sure if I’m even mixing. I’m trying to figure out what all the keys and buttons do. I was wondering if there are any basic tutorials on mixing with the VCI-100. I spoke with someone who I think belongs here, and he said to come here. I’m also going to get a m-audio protrack sound card so that I can cue. But first I just want to get the hang of mixing. Can anyone recommend me some tutorials, or what to do?
A good place to start for basic ideas of mixing are DJ Tutor and youtube searches for DJ techniques. Now, I know DJ Tutor gets a lot of bad press but his explanations of mixing, beatmatching, etc. are very well done for the beginner. There are also a whole bunch of mixes now of controllerists and DJs using a VCI-100 up on YouTube. B33SON’s is fucking amazing, and gives good screen shots of stuff. I’d recommend checking it out.
Now, I know that everyone praises Ean Golden’s videos, and I love them, for the brand new DJ I wouldn’t recommend them to get started (same with Moldover, though they are really cool to watch).
Sometimes the best bet is to record what you’re mixes, burn em to a CD or drop em in your iPod and listen to them. Is that what you want it to sound like in a club? Or on the radio or what have you? If not, what could be different? Also, there are books about mixing and DJing in general that are really good.
So, good luck to you. You’re getting an earlier start than I did.
Hah! Thanks a lot man! I’m going to look up some of those youtube videos that you talked about. And your idea about getting a book, just made me really happy. I didn’t even consider buying a book, like “The beginners guide to mixing”. Thanks a lot, you guys seem a lot more helpful here than DJforums.com. Also it seems that most people use the VCI-100 here, which is also very useful. Thanks a lot guys! See you around on the forums!
That guy is just new to the game but he does a pretty good little introduction in easy to understand terms
Also check out all of Ean’s videos-
For the super basics of the trade there is Ellaskins djtutor, he doesnt talk digital but he talks about some techniques that are still relevant to digital djing-
We all learn differently, and that book, I’ve been told, is an amazing way to learn to spin. I can’t really learn just by reading a book. I need to be shown what to do hands on, or just hit buttons until I get it right.
Good luck to ya. There are some of us who really pride ourselves on getting the new DJs going.
Great posts I wish that DJTT was around when I once started some 17 years ago, it would have been so much easier. From my personal experience though, IF you have a friend that is also a dj, try to suck as much knowledge as possible from him/her.
Also (i know you are only 14 so it might be hard), you could go to clubs -maybe there are some youth centers where they have djs?- and WATCH how the people spin. Of course the youtube videos will show you a lot, and might be easier, of course.
Furthermore, once you have gotten a hang of it, then PRACTICE is key (for me). I stood infront of my mixer and turntables around 4-6 hours a day, played the same tracks over and over again.
Another tip that I can give is to learn your tracks, learn the breaks, the bassline free sections, learn when the first and last beat comes. Of course this depends maybe on the music you are interested in playing. A good way of starting with BEAT MATCHING without using sync is to get your hands on some minimal techno, and begin matching bassdrum, hihat and clap. Heck, you could even just get some basic loops together and do the same
Haha, that gave me an idea of making 2-3 minutes tracks with just beats and post them for beginners to play around with.
And lastly, GOOD LUCK! Hopefully you will be one of the future djs that will make those people shake their rumpas on the dance floor!
this thread is really inspirational, one thing i like is i love practicing, i have a ruff day at school i go mix, i compete with myself to get better, just keep watching videos online and just keep at it. Your only 14 by the time your a senior in highschool you will probley be dj’n all the highschool parties and more.
It’s all about practicing. Also, don’t forget to do a lot of research on the tracks themselves. Youtube is an excellent way of discovering tracks. Dj Tutor is a good man and don’t listen to haters in his comments – the way he teaches is excellent, and you learn pretty fast with him if you practice a lot.
I think a lot of dj are scared of him because, thanks to youtube, he’s introducing a lot of people to the dj scene, and some people felt threatened by that.
For the super basics of the trade there is Ellaskins djtutor, he doesnt talk digital but he talks about some techniques that are still relevant to digital djing- http://www.youtube.com/user/ellaskins[/QUOTE]
Hehe I know Ellaskins, he lives down the road from me. Great guy, good vids too for the very basics of DJing!
Just to let you know, I’m brand new to “Digital Djing” although I used to DJ in the past a lot with vinyl. I’m gonna be keeping a video diary of my progression, starting with the Numark Total Control my partner has bought me and onwards to the VCI-100 which I’m aiming for once I’m up to speed a few months down the line. Hopefully this will help others starting out in the future so watch this space
Wow. I didn’t even imagine I would get this type of response. I want to thank EVERYONE on the great responses and tips! I’m going to definitely check out those youtube videos you guys discussed, and hopefully by my senior year, I’ll be DJing at my prom. ( Jk). Anyways, I hope my stay on this forum is good one, and I’ll be practicing all day tomorrow! See you guys around!
